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A Retreat on Desire (the seed of Creation), Self-Trust and Magic
Full Retreat - Crete Island and Mainland - March 15-26
Athens and Eleusis Pre Journey - March 15-16 • Delphi Post-Journey - March 24-26
Why? Because DESIRE is the starting point of every manifestation, no matter how large or small. The better your relationship is with your “I want’s” and your embodied “Yes!”, the more equipped you will be to create the life, work, love, career and WORLD you are dreaming into being. Yet, many of us women (no matter how successful we already are) have a tendency to short-order on our desires. Meaning… we ask for less than we really want, need or deserve – whether it be for ourselves, for our families, or for the organizations we lead.
Ancient feminine wisdom meets modern luxury as you travel with an intimate group of women leaders and spiritual seekers on the adventure of a lifetime.
Desire is the potent force at the seat of all creation. But in order to create magic and build worlds in a meaningful way, our desires must be unleashed, tempered, tended and truly understood. The Guts & Grace 2026 Greece Activation Retreat invites you to explore these themes on an epic transformational travel adventure.
Why is it sometimes harder to admit your deepest desires?
What happens you declare your desire, excited and ready to break through to a bigger life, and it takes you immediately into a cycle of death and rebirth?
What to do when you’re inner programming lets you get just so close to your desire… but never quite achieve it?
What if you long for things that might be dangerous, or have an uncertain impact on others?
What’s next when your desires are tied to a family or historical legacy that comes with chains that still need to be broken?
Cultivating a personal relationship with desire is one of the key skills a woman needs in order to live a satisfying, self-empowered life. And for a woman in leadership – a WorldShaper who is not just participating in the structures of business and society, but endeavoring to shape them back – the mastery of desire is even more critical. Our desires have power. And that power can have a massive impact on our world.
In ancient times, rituals were held regularly to initiate both women and men into the right use of power. Through these rituals, they learned how to listen to their inner wisdom and trust their purest desires, while also developing an embodied understanding of the ways in which their actions could have consequences for their communities. Unfortunately, this time of ritual initiation has largely been replaced in modern society by an ‘anything goes as long as you can achieve it’ mentality that often bypasses our deeper truth in the race to get to the top of an imaginary, but seductive, ladder.
On the Guts & Grace 2026 Greece Activation journey, you will be invited into an initiation of your own next-level desire, while developing a deeper sense of self-trust and personal impact on the collective. Our curated group of women travelers co-create magic (ie. spontaneous, synchronistic and mutually beneficial moments) together, while touring the relics of an ancient civilization in Athens and enjoying the pleasures and mysteries that the beautiful island Santorini has to offer.
While Crete has come to be known in its high season as an epically beautiful tourist destination, where influencers can be seen shooting Instagram reels of themselves in flowy dresses on lounging on beaches and at dining at cafes, it also has a spiritual significance in relationship to the empowerment of the feminine.
The island has cultural ties to the Ancient Minoan civilization – an advanced and influential society at the time, skilled in trade, the first to develop written language, but also equally dedicated to exalting arts. It was a society where women were embraced as equal, and played leadership roles (from rulership and governance to athletics and bull fighting) - a place where sexuality and sensuality were embraced rather than repressed, and where the spirit of the feminine was alive and well.
Crete also harbors a mystery. Home to a cave believed by some to be the original location of the birthplace of Zeus and the other Olympian Gods and housing a series of ancient palace and temple ruins including the infamous Labyrinth of Knossos, this island was inhabited by wise humans living in harmony with the forces of nature, going farther back than history is able to accurately record. Thus there is a lot of natural potency on this land, which can lend itself to the exploration of questions about power (both human and nature) and a curiosity for the unknown.
Intuitively, I know that if you are stepping into a next-level of leadership and ALSO desire to embrace the feminine, there is an invitation in this geography to learn more about what’s possible. As well… it’s an aesthetically beautiful, sensual and deeply nourishing place. While the opportunity for initiation is real, this is also a place that is welcoming you to explore ease, embrace pleasure and to dance with grace.
For thousands of years, women have been trained to believe that their desires are, at best, not important, and at worst, dangerous. These un-truths were intentionally designed and proliferated in order to disconnect us from one deep and essential truth – we have power. A lot of it. And when we are connected to our bodies, wisdom and intuitions, we are a force to be reckoned with.
In fact, empowered women of ancient times served as high priestesses (i.e. mystical advisors) to diplomats, top scientists and royalty– to help them understand, activate, temper and deliver on the force of creation that was coming through them. This was a regular and embraced part of society at the time when the foundations of modern civilization, business, diplomacy and arts were being born. And it worked. But the wisest of these women also knew that an imbalance of power would ultimately occur. And as time unfolded, the system fell apart. Perhaps the beneficiaries of this mystical counseling decided they could make better decisions on their own – or simply got drunk on the results and wanted to keep the rewards for themselves. Perhaps the women wielding such great power lost their clarity, made mistakes, or lost their way. Maybe both.
The patriarchy, and oppressive versions of capitalism and religion, took their stand. Women and men were conditioned out of their knowing and into a kind of submissive participation that is founded on self-doubt. Now thousands of years later we’re still recovering from an imbalance of the masculine and feminine in leadership, and we’re still trying to rebuild our relationship with our bodies and intuitions, and reclaim the sanctity of our desire. In the Pre-Journey and Post-Journey Greece Activation experiences, the group will visit sites in Athens, Eleusis and Delphi to anchor at a visceral level the truths – and un-truths – that have informed our relationship with desire.
Today, many of us still grapple with feeling that our desires can’t be fully trusted… so we second guess, doubt ourselves, and wantless. And the bigger the desire, the stronger the resistance can be. And the longer it takes to create what we envision. But the truth is… where there is a desire, there is already a way. In fact, desire is the sacred seed of manifestation. When we get clear about what we want, align ourselves with it, the doors begin to open.
From start to finish, the entire Journey is designed to create an energetic gateway that will bring you closer to your next-level desires and creations, in life and in work. But all you have to do is show up and receive. Consider it an opportunity to take some time for yourself with an awesome group of women. To celebrate, to self-nourish and self-express… to treat yourself to something you want and you deserve.
If you feel called to attend, I encourage you to let yourself connect with the desire fully before handling the logistics, the finances, the conflicting commitments… consider saying an energetic YES! and opening the door for the way to become more clear – in relation to this trip AND your other big desires for this year.
That’s it. So… I DARE you to join us.
For thousands of years, women have been trained to believe that their desires are, at best, not important, and at worst, dangerous. These un-truths were intentionally designed and proliferated in order to disconnect us from one deep and essential truth – we have power. A lot of it. And when we are connected to our bodies, wisdom and intuitions, we are a force to be reckoned with.
In fact, empowered women of ancient times served as high priestesses (i.e. mystical advisors) to diplomats, top scientists and royalty– to help them understand, activate, temper and deliver on the force of creation that was coming through them. This was a regular and embraced part of society at the time when the foundations of modern civilization, business, diplomacy and arts were being born. And it worked. But the wisest of these women also knew that an imbalance of power would ultimately occur. And as time unfolded, the system fell apart. Perhaps the beneficiaries of this mystical counseling decided they could make better decisions on their own – or simply got drunk on the results and wanted to keep the rewards for themselves. Perhaps the women wielding such great power lost their clarity, made mistakes, or lost their way. Maybe both.
The patriarchy, and oppressive versions of capitalism and religion, took their stand. Women and men were conditioned out of their knowing and into a kind of submissive participation that is founded on self-doubt. Now thousands of years later we’re still recovering from an imbalance of the masculine and feminine in leadership, and we’re still trying to rebuild our relationship with our bodies and intuitions, and reclaim the sanctity of our desire. In the Pre-Journey and Post-Journey Greece Activation experiences, the group will visit sites in Athens, Eleusis and Delphi to anchor at a visceral level the truths – and un-truths – that have informed our relationship with desire.
Today, many of us still grapple with feeling that our desires can’t be fully trusted… so we second guess, doubt ourselves, and wantless. And the bigger the desire, the stronger the resistance can be. And the longer it takes to create what we envision. But the truth is… where there is a desire, there is already a way. In fact, desire is the sacred seed of manifestation. When we get clear about what we want, align ourselves with it, the doors begin to open.
From start to finish, the entire Journey is designed to create an energetic gateway that will bring you closer to your next-level desires and creations, in life and in work. But all you have to do is show up and receive. Consider it an opportunity to take some time for yourself with an awesome group of women. To celebrate, to self-nourish and self-express… to treat yourself to something you want and you deserve.
If you feel called to attend, I encourage you to let yourself connect with the desire fully before handling the logistics, the finances, the conflicting commitments… consider saying an energetic YES! and opening the door for the way to become more clear – in relation to this trip AND your other big desires for this year.
That’s it. So… I DARE you to join us.
Due to the nature of our accommodations and adventures, this trip is limited to 12 people, with only a few of each room type available. Please book ASAP to secure your preferred room type.
Full Retreat Solo Room – $5,500
Full Retreat Shared Room – $4,500
****early bird discount for the first 6 travelers.
All adventures, site entry and tours in Athens and Eleusis, four transformational sessions, local transit, two meals per day. Crete six days and five nights lodging, two meals per day plus snacks, ten transformational group sessions, all adventures, site entry and tours, and local Crete Island transportation. All adventures, site entry and tours in Delphi, two days and two nights lodging, two transformational sessions, site entry and local transit, two meals per day. Pre and post trip virtual group meetings, group contact list and photo album.
Long-haul flight into Athens, arrival night Athens lodging, local flight from Crete to Athens, some meals, personal photography (available at additional cost).
Our main retreat will be held on the island of Santorini, at a beautiful Cycladic Villa Bed & Breakfast and Wedding Venue near Fira. With stunning views overlooking the Aegean sea, caldara and volcanic island, this magical venue is surrounded by beautiful homes, restaurants, and churches.It is located along the footpath from Fira to Oiya, within walking distance to the museums, shops and art galleries of Fira downtown. On the island, we will explore both the unique history of ancient cities, cave dwelling and undisturbed natural wonders, as well as the famed opulence of island living that makes Santorini a favorite tourist destination in the spring and summer months. The region is known for seafood and culinary delicacies like saganaki and chloro cheese, local sausages, white eggplants and fava bean dips. Santorini is also home to some of the oldest vineyards in the world, harvesting grapes via unique growing methods, that produce a rainbow of wines exclusive to the island.
Our Athens pre-trip sessions will be hosted at the unique and modern COCO-Mat Hotel, with views of the Acropolis and the city beyond. The is located in Kolonaki, just steps from the gates of the Acropolis, a few blocks from the Plaka shopping district, Ermou, Syntagma Square and other local attractions. The COCO-MAT boasts sustainable design, a main restaurant with delicious organic food, honesty bar for all-day snacking, seasonal rooftop restaurant, steam room, lap pool and spa with treatments available daily.
The broad daily agenda for the trip and our core activation themes can be found below. Final details will be refined as the group of travelers comes together. True to the Guts & Grace Retreat promise, our 2024 Greece Activation is likely to be full of unexpected surprises! As we confirm the experiences and initiations, we will be taking into account where each traveler is at in terms of their self-development, readiness for learning, goals, desires and abilities – plus the needs and developmental arc of the group, as well as reading the broader “field” of humanity/society to create an alchemical experience that deepens, heals, ignites and connects.
See: 2024 Retreat and Travel Agenda
See: Santorini: Why here? Why now?
See: Greece: Unleashing desire, Embracing power
Our main retreat will be held on the island of Crete at a beautiful Bed & Breakfast venue. Our magical venue is surrounded by beautiful homes, restaurants, and churches, nearby key sites, museums, shops and art galleries. On the island, we will explore both the unique history of ancient cities, cave dwelling and undisturbed natural wonders, as well as the famed opulence of island living that makes Crete a favorite tourist destination in the spring and summer months. The region is known for seafood and culinary delicacies like saganaki and chloro cheese, local sausages, white eggplants and fava bean dips. It is also home to some of the oldest vineyards in the world, harvesting grapes via unique growing methods, that produce a rainbow of wines exclusive to the island.
Our Athens pre-trip sessions will be hosted at the unique and modern COCO-Mat Hotel, with views of the Acropolis and the city beyond. The is located in Kolonaki, just steps from the gates of the Acropolis, a few blocks from the Plaka shopping district, Ermou, Syntagma Square and other local attractions. The COCO-MAT boasts sustainable design, a main restaurant with delicious organic food, honesty bar for all-day snacking, seasonal rooftop restaurant, steam room, lap pool and spa with treatments available daily.
The broad daily agenda for the trip and our core activation themes can be found below. Final details will be refined as the group of travelers comes together. True to the Guts & Grace Retreat promise, our 2026 Greece Activation is likely to be full of unexpected surprises! As we confirm the experiences and initiations, we will be taking into account where each traveler is at in terms of their self-development, readiness for learning, goals, desires and abilities – plus the needs and developmental arc of the group, as well as reading the broader “field” of humanity/society to create an alchemical experience that deepens, heals, ignites and connects.
See: 2026 Retreat and Travel Agenda
See: Crete: Why here? Why now?
See: Greece: Unleashing desire, Embracing power
The broad daily agenda for the trip and our core activation themes can be found below. Final details will be refined as the group of travelers comes together. True to the Guts & Grace Retreat promise, our 2024 Greece Activation is likely to be full of unexpected surprises! As we confirm the experiences and initiations, we will be taking into account where each traveler is at in terms of their self-development, readiness for learning, goals, desires and abilities – plus the needs and developmental arc of the group, as well as reading the broader “field” of humanity/society to create an alchemical experience that deepens, heals, ignites and connects.
See: 2024 Retreat and Travel Agenda
See: Santorini: Why here? Why now?
See: Greece: Unleashing desire, Embracing power
Athens and Eleusis: The Seeds of Society (Mainland Pre-Journey)
Journey to the place where ideas that inspired modern Western civilization were born.
(3/15) Mainland Pre Journey Day 0: Arrival
(3/16) Mainland Pre-Journey Day One: The Masculine
• Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and AcropolisMuseum
• Athens: Old Royal Palace, Syntagma Square and Alleys
(3/17) Mainland Pre-Journey Day Two: The Feminine
• Eleusis: Telesterion, Underworld Ritual
• Athens: Hill of the Nymphs
Crete: Dancing with Grace (Core Retreat & Activation)
Ancient wisdom meets modern luxury as you journey with an intimate, curated group women leaders and spiritual seekers on a desire-based adventure through the elements.
(3/18) Day One – EARTH: ARRIVAL, GROUNDING
• Travel Athens to Crete
• Session 1: Opening Circle, Grounding & Intentions
• Opening Dinner
• Evening connection, rest
(3/19) Day Two – WATER: FEELINGS, NOURISHMENT
• Sunrise experience
• Brunch at home
• Session 2: Embodying Desire
• Special Water Outing
• Dinner at home
• Session 3: Vocal Activation
(3/20) Day Three – FIRE: PASSION, RITUAL
• Brunch at home
• Sacred Site tour and ritual
• Session 4: Embracing the Mystery
• Ancient ruins + lighthouse or beach town tour
• Dinner at home
(3/21) Day Four – AIR: DELIGHT, EXPANSION, PERSPECTIVE
• Sunrise experience
• Brunch at home
• Session 5: Preparing to Receive
• Session 6: The Art of Self-Perspective
• Evening shopping, photography and adventure
• Sunset dinner
(3/22) Day Five – ETHER: SPIRIT, HIGHER SELF
• Brunch experience
• Outdoor adventures
• Session 7: Higher-self Ritual and Completion
• Evening Ritual
(3/23) Day Six – Transition to Mainland
• Morning Ritual
• Brunch at home
• Good-byes and departures
• Fight to Athens + Travel to Arachova
Delphi: The Oracle (Mainland Post-Journey)
Reclaim the visionary and advisory power of the feminine to society.
(3/24) Mainland Post-Journey Day One
• Brunch at home
• Delphi: Museum and Grounds visit, Earth Ritual
• Session 8: Embracing Connection to Spirit
• Dinner in Arachova
(3/25) Mainland Post-Journey Day Two
• Return to Athens
• Session 9: Completion and Taking it Home
• Lunch and downtime in Athens
• Optional Spa and Sunset viewing
(3/26) Mainland Post Journey Day Three (Departure)
• Good-byes, flights
LeeAnn Mallorie, Founder of Guts & Grace Leadership, began her career as an executive coach in 2006, working with women leaders and teams from around the globe. Yet she soon found something was missing—the body. This led her on a personal journey of physical, mental, and spiritual healing, to eventually embrace the feminine side of leadership. Committed to walking her talk, she brought these lessons back to her clients in the corporate, non-profit and government sectors, with surprisingly positive results.
Today, LeeAnn specializes in bringing feminine wisdom and diverse cultural values into business, as keystone to solving some of our world’s stickiest problems. Her playful weaving of modern and ancient knowledge will take you on a journey of unexpected and necessary evolution—one that is required for any woman who wants to make a bigger impact without losing herself along the way. Inspired by her personal work with plant medicines, meditation, sacred voice activation, nature-based ritual and ecstatic dance, as well as deep science, her events spark creativity and innovation. Using practical embodiment tools, she helps attendees bridge the gap between the hard-driving logical mind and the deeper wisdom of the soul.
LeeAnn believes that for a woman leader to play at the top of her game, she needs to embrace her whole self: body, mind, emotions and spirit. Her book, Guts & Grace, is the roadmap for how to release internalized, patriarchal programming and truly bring your best self to work.
